Instagram Shadowban Test

Is the Instagram Shadowban Killing Your Engagement?

Thousands have reported that their posts are being suppressed. Take the Instagram Shadowban test below and
find out if you're impacted.

@Please enter a valid username

Triberr's Shadowban Logic

Firstly, the tester is a guide and not necessarily absolutey fact. That being said, there are two methods to consider here:

Test Tool's Method:

The tester checks the post's meta data for each hashtag used on a post. If any hashtag is missing from the source code of the post's page URL, then the test fails that hashtag. This is the best programmable method we've been able to determine thus far related to whether a post is getting full visibility within hashtag search results. It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing.

Ideal / Perfect Method:

Check Instagram hashtag search results directly for a specific post from an account that does NOT follow the account you're reviewing. If the post is visible, then it's fine. If it is not found, then it has been suppressed / shadowbanned.

Of course, this is a more cumbersome approach as some hashtag search results are in the millions of results. Unfortunately, Instagram does not offer its API to perform this search programmatically.

NOTE: In some cases, even we have seen that a post with a hashtag that our tool has flagged (because meta tag is not in source code) may still be visible in the hashtag search results. Meaning the tool did it's job correctly and meta tag was missing from post's source code, yet the post was visible in search results. Not perfect! Hence, use the tool as a guide not as fact.

Myth

Many users believe the shadowban to be real however Instagram has publicly stated it is not real and they do *not* limit the reach of your photos. (reference)

Fact

Some users believe the shadowban truly exists as their post reach and stats have been impacted.

Overall, whether or not it's a myth or fact, all users want to get the maximum exposure for their content. You decide - is it a myth or a fact?

FAQ

The term shadowban is used to refer to instances where your posts are not appearing in the hashtag search results. This can directly impact the ability for non-followers to discover your profile and content resulting in lower engagement. In such cases, your posts may still be seen by existing followers, but not to anyone else.

The shadowban applies to individual posts and may occur for various reasons. For example, overuse of a hashtag or a banned hashtag can trigger this occurrence. Therefore, we provide an analysis of your latest 10 posts so that you can easily identify culprits in your posts.

This is a resource provided free of charge and is largely based on several assumptions related to Instagram and its algorithms, as well as insights from the Instagram user community. Only Instagram knows how their algorithm works. This tool is simply checking for the presence of specific condition(s), and therefore should not be interpreted as fact. You can use it, but it’s at your own risk.

The reason you are seeing skipped is because hashtags play a major role in our shadowban test. Therefore, if a post does not have hashtag, the results will be inconclusive, and the system skips that post.

Avoid overstuffing posts with hashtags. Do not use bots. Do not buy followers (real or fake). Be cool, and use Instagram like a human being. Don't try to game the platform, instead focus on posting high-quality, engaging content.

What to do when Shadowbanned?

While there's no perfect answer, you can try to correct your mistakes and
ensure compliance with Instagram's rules. Here are a few steps to take if your posts are
shadowbanned:

Delete hashtags from the shadowbanned post(s). Avoid the use of
too many hashtags, repetitive hashtag sets, or banned hashtags.

Disconnect third party apps that may have resulted in the
shadowban, especially bots or automation software that violate Instagram's terms of service.

Correct any post images or captions, or remove anything that can
be perceived as spam or flagged by others.

Refrain from any Instagram activity for the next 2 - 3 days.
This includes posting, commenting, and liking. Just take a break and go outside!

Convert to a business account if you're using Instagram for
business-related or promotional purposes. Otherwise, convert to a personal account.

Report your shadowban to Instagram if you believe your account
has been inadvertently impacted.

References

Please note shadowbanned post(s) may not be lifted from the post itself for weeks. In fact, the period for
which a shadowban will be lifted is unknown. As such, the steps mentioned above will help you avoid being
shadowbanned for future posts.

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